Came across an old journal. In reading through a few pages, I felt a lot of things. Just a few of the thoughts that went through my mind:
1. So interesting to see how my handwriting used to be as a teen and how it has evolved.
2. I totally remember going through that phase of writing my E’s like that, with the 3 lines. Totally inspired by the Esprit logo. Reminded me of making a b-line to the Esprit store at the outlet mall whenever we went. I was so drawn to that brand at the time. I had to google Esprit just now it to see if it was still around. ; )
3. Totally love that I wrote about little things … like calling my friend Brigitte and being cold at tennis practice, and getting to know Jen (a new friend), and going to Rite Aid to buy a lock (for my locker, I’m assuming) and a flower for my friend Robin.
4. I wish I wrote why I was buying a carnation for Robin. Was that her favorite flower? Was she having a bad day? Was it a random I’m-glad-you’re-my-friend gesture?
I am so grateful I kept journals. Going back, I not only recall poignant memories and glimpses of the past, but it also helps me to be more aware how how I’m still that same girl in many ways … and I appreciate how I’ve evolved as well.
I am reminded of the way I used to think (wow — the mentality of a teenager is something else, isn’t it??). As our kids get older I think I will quickly be able to connect with my younger self and remember that I too had feelings, fears, and concerns similar to what they may face. I believe this will help me relate more with them and be more patient.
Oh, the benefits of recording life. And encouraging our kids to do the same.
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I can’t share a snippet of one of my childhood journals and not share a piece of my husband’s school journals. Seriously. How cute is this? I’m dying over the cursive signature on the green one. I don’t think David has ever, ever written in cursive since high school.
Thank you, mystery school teacher of 1982. Thank you for making it a required assignment that your students write in a daily journal. Thank you for encouraging David to write about the little things in life. Thank you current teachers everywhere who are engaging your students in any kind of journal-writing, record-keeping, story-telling activities. And encouraging the kids to keep this stuff.
Many of you know that (almost) every day I share a picture-of-the-day idea { POTD Idea } on facebook + twitter. If you aren’t on facebook or twitter, you can still see these ideas on the right side of my blog, where my very up-to-date facebook feed is visible to anyone and everyone.
The purpose? To inspire you in your quest to document everyday life.
The source of inspiration?You. Sometimes I share one of my own personal pictures, but most of the pictures I share come from readers like you. People who enjoy taking pictures. Experienced photographers, novice photographers. Some are teens. Some are elderly. Many are somewhere in between.
The result? Whether you’re documenting life with a picture every day or just want ideas for taking pictures you hadn’t already thought to take, thousands of people are being inspired. Many thanks to all who have submitted their ideas and allowed me to share them.
Want to share? I would love to see your POTD Idea(s)! And I might even select your photo as one that I share with the masses on facebook + twitter. So don’t be shy. Email one of your very best photographs (or two) to submissions@beckyhiggins.com. Cute pictures of your kids are nice but please keep in mind that I’m looking for inspiring ideas to document everyday life.
Here are a few of my own recents to get your wheels spinning.
I do not walk around the house barefoot. I’m usually wearing these because they’re THAT comfortable. Do you have a favorite pair of shoes? Or do you have “house slippers” or the pair of shoes always by the door that you slip on to get the mail? What about a favorite pair that belong to your spouse or child?
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Claire’s letter to a cousin. Including a message in her exact words. Capture your child’s current style of art. And if they’re too young to write, do it for them. Word for word so you can “hear” their voice in the written word.
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Unloading groceries from the store – including a major stocking up on (not-so-healthy) cereals. Next time you’re at the store, snap a picture of your shopping card (love phone cameras!) or get a snapshot of all your groceries as you get them unloaded and put away. I promise we don’t eat cereal all day.
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What’s for dinner. Whether it’s a tried & true classic in your family or trying something new. In this case, it’s a new-to-us recipe for Mexican Chicken Salad, which you can find HERE.
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This is such a classic reminder of Crew’s little 2-year-old personality, which includes his obsession with putting the lens cap on the lens when I attempt to take his pictures.
How do you capture the personalities of loved ones?
The other day I was having some early morning snuggles with our toddler. It was commonplace. Typical. Routine. And completely full of JOY, as many “typical” or “routine” things in our life are. In an instant it hit me that I really didn’t have any pictures of this interaction. But how could I? Who would take the picture? (David’s usually gone for work well before the kids wake up.)
So I asked Porter to grab the camera, hold it steady and just snap away as I continued to tickle and snuggle with Crew. This is what he got.
Later when I uploaded Porter’s pictures, I found magic. He did it. He captured a moment and he did it beautifully. He was able to record a slice of my role as a mama. Even his composition was impressive. The result? I now have a couple pictures that have become favorites of Crew and me together.
So this got me thinking.
Of course it got me thinking.
I am so caught up in my own role as a family historian and documenter of life, that I have not really focused on instilling this in our kids yet. Granted our oldest is only 8, but still. Now is a good time. Right?
Porter writes in his journal occasionally. Love that. The kids create art on a daily basis. Love that. Now I want them to learn how to take pictures. I want them to learn that through taking pictures, they are not only documenting life but they will be more tuned into their blessings. They know about Mom’s love for taking pictures. They know the term “picture of the day”. They suggest ideas for what should be the POTD sometimes. They love looking at our Project Life books.
Now it’s their turn. I am so getting them on-board this Summer. They’re young. I’ll keep it basic. But I’m definitely excited to mentor them in photography, teaching them a little about light and composition and for sure editing. They’ll probably love that part the most.
We’re always trying to teach our children how to cultivate a good life. Now they’re going to learn how to record it. Now that is magic.
We’ve been having all sorts of fun sketching, planning, designing, prototyping, and getting excited about upcoming products for 2011. If you missed the update, you’ll see it HERE.
Documenting life is a blessing. Anyone who takes pictures, writes in a journal, scrapbooks, or records life in any form knows how rich the experience can be — both the act of documenting, as well as being able to go back and look at what has been recorded.
And for many, documenting life has taken on a whole new level of significance. I know many of you have used Project Life to record the journey through difficult times. Like Karin.
In her own words: Really It all began December 1, 2010. My beautiful little boy was diagnosed with leukemia and our world turned upside down. We spend 45 hellish days in the hospital getting Elijah healthy enough to come home. Once we got home I didn’t recognize my little boy and I really felt like things were happening and changing so fast. So on January 14, 2011 I decided that I was going to start taking a picture a day of Elijah to document his year in treatment for leukemia. I wanted to be able to look back at this time through treatment and be able to show him that we lived a life with joy despite the circumstances. I wanted him to be able to look back at his treatment years from now and see that we lived life to the fullest and didn’t let life keep kicking us while we were down. Quickly I realized that I didn’t just want that for Elijah. I also wanted his baby sister Aliyah to see her life was lived and loved through all of this. So I started taking pictures and looked for an album to put the pictures in and write a little story about their day. I knew I didn’t have time to make them a scrapbook.
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So I found a simple album that was just picture slots and got one for each child. The problem? There was no place to journal. It left me cutting out little note cards and trying to fit the days journaling around the picture. Quite frankly, the end result was awful. But — that was what was available. Then my sister-in-law heard about my project and asked if I was using Project Life because she had just found out about it and ordered herself an Amber kit. I quickly looked it up and it was exactly what I had been wanting. I was sold and so I ordered a Amber kit for Aliyah and a Turquoise kit for Elijah. As soon as it arrived I copied everything I had already put into the cheap albums into the new kits and I loved the results! This was exactly what I had been looking for.
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Now I have 17 completed weeks in their albums and daily filling each new day. I am in love with your kits and don’t think I will be stopping at the end of this year. By keeping up with the journaling and photo processing every day I have found an amazing thing. My experience of life has changed. There are days that my experience says it was a terrible, horrible, no-good day with nothing redeeming at all. Then I go up to my loft office and process the day’s pictures and write the kids’ journal entries. Not one day in the 118 days of photos I have taken, has my kids’ overall experience been a total bad day. Sure, there are bad moments and hardships – especially in treating cancer – but my kids are thriving and still happy despite all we have given up. I see their joy and realize that the day wasn’t as bad as I experienced it and so I can go to bed each night in peace.
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I have seen my children’s amazing spirit and it has saved me from the darkness I feared when my son was diagnosed. Having Project Life has helped me to really live life with my children and see each day with honesty and hope. I believe whole-heartedly I would have given up on the albums long ago if it wasn’t for the simple brilliance of the Project Life system. Thank You for giving our family the gift of amazing albums as well as a changed outlook. While I am sure many people do not have as big of a push as we did to preserve our history I feel as though I would have greatly benefitted from the fresh eyes daily journaling and photos doing Project Life has given me. The time I spend each night on their albums is so centering it has just become part of my daily routine much like lunch. So again thank you.
It’s true. It’s really happening! Thanks to our distributor in Canada (love you Tammy Morales!) … our products are on their way to amazon.co.uk right now and due to arrive very, very soon.
So. If you are in Europe … or you have a cousin, aunt, child, co-worker, in-laws, friends in Europe … this news is for YOU and for them! Go HERE to get all the information directly from Tammy. She is the very best resource to answer your questions about Becky Higgins products in Europe.
Plus — she’s giving away a Project Life kit to someone in Europe right now. As in TODAY. Go enter!
{ just to clarify }
The inventory that is soon to arrive at amazon.co.uk includes the Turquoise Project Life kit and the Amber Project Life kit. As most of you know, these full kits are sold out in the U.S. and New Zealand/Australia. So the only kits remaining are in Canada and soon, in Europe. If you missed the news about how we’re moving forward with products, there is an update on the PRODUCTS page that you’ll want to check out.
August 2010. It was back to school for the kids and the start of a new project that I volunteered to take on for two classrooms — Porter’s 2nd grade class and Claire’s preschool class.
I call these Personal Yearbooks. The idea of course, is to help students document their school life, introduce the youngsters to scrapbooking and personal history, and have fun while doing it. Each month I photographed every single kid. I edited those pictures, printed those pictures, prepared the supplies, and went back in to guide the students in putting their pages together. It’s a monthly ritual.
Many of you have done the same thing.
So here we are. May 2011.The end of the school year. The books are complete. All 43 of them. Each is unique and specific to that child, filled with his or her handwriting, stories, art, and imagination.
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{ a few pages from Porter’s book }
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{ a few pages from Claire’s book }
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As I reflect on this year of doing this project month after month, I thought I’d share a few bits of advice to those (parents or teachers) who may want to do this next school year. Full details can be found here (you’ll see it there on the right side along with lots of other free downloads.)
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{ advice }
1. You don’t have to do it alone. You could alternate with another parent, month by month. Or one of your could be the photographer who also prints the pictures and the other person could be the one who prepares the supplies and goes in to scrapbook with the kids each month. My friend Keri did all the photography and prepared all the supplies but then she let the teacher actually do the pages with the kids each month. However you go about it, consider sharing the load so you don’t burn out.
2. Consider doing the bulk of preparation at the beginning. I’m talking about all of the printing, paper-cutting, and any other prep work. I often found myself doing last-minute stuff as I rushed out the door to get to the school. Always so much going on. Had I had everything already prepped and organized, I would have been a lot more relaxed about the project.
3. Involve your child. One thing I’m glad I did and would definitely recommend, is to involve your own child(ren) in the behind-the-scenes process. Porter and Claire helped me with sorting, matching pictures with folders (they know who’s who in their classes a whole lot better than I do), and things like that. They love it. It’s a family affair. And they learn to appreciate volunteer work a little more.
4. Stock up. If you have a stash of patterned papers and other paper crafting or scrapbooking supplies, set some things aside for this project if you’re considering ever doing this. Even though I don’t do much “traditional/decorative” scrapbooking anymore, I am so glad I have always hung on to some supplies. That stuff always comes in handy when it comes to projects with the kids especially.
5. Plan themes in advance. At the beginning of the school year, brainstorm with the teacher and come up with a list of themes you want to be sure to cover for the project. This will help you feel organized, as opposed to trying to think of a new idea each month. For example, here are some POTM (picture-of-the-month) themes we did this year: first day of school, my body system (a specific learning unit), gratitude, class holiday party, reading, field day, field trip, my teacher, recess, the library …
6. Don’t pose every picture. Obviously a child’s smile is priceless and we want to capture that. I also encourage you to mix it up. Take some of the pictures candidly and not always posed with the child looking & smiling at the camera. Catch them in the act of doing what it is that they do at school.
7. Details in writing. Whether the students are doing their own writing on the pages or you or the teacher are writing what the kids say (as it was with our little preschool class) … dig for a little more information. When you ask, “What’s your favorite thing about lunch time?” … follow up with “Why?” or “Tell me more.” This is where the flavor in their personality can really shine through their words.
8. Do it. Even though this year was a bit of a challenge for me personally to keep up with 2 classes worth of Personal Yearbooks, I am so glad I did. Obviously it’s always great to volunteer in the kids’ classes and be involved with their school. But also — these books very well could be the only form of memory-keeping some of these kids will have at this age.
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I learned a lot this year. I’m going to do things a little differently next year. Yes, I plan to continue the tradition. But — no more late nights cramming in last-minute preparations that look like this:
Here’s to teaching kids while they’re young, that documenting life is awesome.
I spent a whirlwind Friday zipping up to Salt Lake City for a television appearance. My alarm went off at 3:15 am and I was back at home, snuggling with my kids by 7:15 pm. Here are some glimpses of my not-so-ordinary day. As much as I love the everyday and the ordinary and the mundane … I for sure appreciate the fact that the “big stuff” in life very much plays a part in making up our life experience as well.
Friday was kind of “big stuff” for me. I haven’t done any tv anything since … I can’t remember, honestly. It’s been years. So my tummy was filled with butterflies. But my soul was filled with calm. I was participating in something that honored and celebrated motherhood. Anyone who reveres that sacred role has my attention. I felt grateful to have the opportunity to talk about motherhood and documenting life. Two of my greatest passions.
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Night before: Scrummaged through my closet and found something to wear. Shirt from Target, cardigan from DownEast Basics, belt is Wet Seal, skinny jeans are Cello Jeans, necklace was … umm … shoot. I totally can’t remember where I picked that up but I know it was while traveling. I just can’t remember where. For sure I texted pictures to my friend Jen for approval.
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Sky Harbor Airport in Phoenix. Applied my makeup, start to finish, just minutes before boarding the plane.
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Show time! This cutie girl right here? Michelle is Studio 5′s executive producer and she is sharp. Darling. Organized. Warm. Personable. And … the one who invited me to be a part of the show.
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A couple on-air shots, thanks to my cute family in the audience with cameras in hand the whole time. On the left, I’m part of a panel discussion about the “little things” that mothers do that go a long way, even if we don’t think they matter much at the time. On the right, I’m sharing some ideas on suggestions of things moms would want to keep for their kids. Great studio audience, by the way! Glad some of you could come!
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Darin and Brooke are the hosts of Studio 5. Genuinely kind people. Really. And I about died when I learned that Brooke is only 27 years old! She’s too cute for words and single. I’m just saying. Somebody set the girl up on some dates! She’s a catch!
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Some personal friends & family were able to carve a chunk of time from their day to be there. So super grateful for them and for others who sent me texts + emails showing their support.
1. Lori Whitlock! As in, my graphic designer behind our products. Yay!
2. Sydney, Jen, Morgan — friends from our years in Cleveland who now live in Utah.
3. Kevin (as in … you love him for answering your tech questions here on my blog) and Lauren, my sister-in-law. Love them. Yes, that’s an iPad in his hand.
4. I literally wouldn’t be where I am without these people. My parents, of course. Yay that they just happened to be in Utah! And that’s Lisa Bearnson there in the middle — familiar to many of you. She was the one who believed in my talent and took a risk at hiring a 21-year-old who was just crazy-passionate about scrapbooking. Because of her, I was led to many professional opportunities that I never, ever dreamed would be a part of my life. I was tickled pink that she could come.
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Aaaannnd we’re back on-board.
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Goodbye beautiful Salt Lake City, with your snow-capped mountains in May.
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Hello again, beautiful Grand Canyon that I love to fly over.
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As I found myself staring out the window like I always do on a flight, I held the iPhone out in front of me to snap a picture. Why? Because this is so me. I am such a sucker for arial views. I find it completely fascinating to see lakes and rivers and mountains and farms and little towns and big cities … from straight above. It always makes me feel and think very reflectively. I always have a renewed sense of appreciation for God’s creations.
And so for that reason, this picture says a lot about me.
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I encourage you to do something similar. Get yourself in your documenting of life. You are, after all, a part of your life. And your life — ordinary or extraordinary as it may seem right now — is completely worth documenting.
Okay, first of all — I have 2 winners to announce from this week’s giveaways! The winner of Laura Vanderbeek’s Photo First Aid online class is Lisa Walton in Perth Australia. The winner of Creating Keepsakes’ newest Creative Spaces special issue is Brenda in Houston, Texas. Congratulations, ladies! Lisa, email laurav@reneepearson.com and Brenda, email projectlife@beckyhiggins.com with your shipping address and I’ll give that information to CK so they can ship you a little package.
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{ tv segments }
This week I had a little fun on tv, thanks to the invitation by KSL’s Studio 5 producers. Watch for Monday’s post when I share more about that day. Lots of fun pictures.
First, here’s a quick little Skype conversation I had with the hosts Brooke & Darin on Tuesday to promote the live event that was coming a few days later.
And as for that live event, you can check out the whole show HERE on Studio 5′s site. If you wanted to just check out my segments …
1. panel discussion about the little things mothers do is around 13:00 to 21:00.
2. 5 things I think mothers should keep for their children is around 25:00 – 32:00.
NOTE: That part when I mention that I share a picture-of-the-day idea just about every day on Twitter? So sorry, my sweet and supportive facebook peeps. Totally didn’t mean to leave you out. I share the very same POTD ideas on both facebook + twitter. Just in case you didn’t know that. And if you’re not already following me on facebook or twitter — you should. It’s an extension of the sharing I do here on my blog.
I think the whole show is fun to watch but if your time is limited, that’s understandable. I do recommend for every mother to watch the segment by Matt, Studio 5′s relationship coach. That’s at about 36:00 – 44:00. Seriously, this guy is fun. And he reminds us of things we should hear. Really, the whole show was just great. I so appreciated the opportunity to be a part of something that honors, reveres, and celebrates motherhood.
Thank you KSL, for focusing on what really does matter most.
By the time you read this, I am well on my way to Salt Lake City. Just for the day. KSL (channel 5) is doing their first-ever live event. This is the end of their two-week series on Studio 5 called Motherhood Matters.
I am honored that KSL invited me to join some amazing women so that we could discuss and celebrate motherhood. In front of like … a thousand people who will be there in-person. On live tv. Where all my mistakes will be shown. And a million trillion people will see my mistakes on tv.
Okay, so not a million trillion. But a lot. Oh — I’m not nervous. Not one bit.
Yeah, right.
Anyway, in addition to our gabbing about important stuff, we’ll be having a lot of fun! I’ll be sharing ideas for 5 things to save for your children/grandchildren. And I can’t wait to see what the other ladies have in store. I very much look forward to meeting authors Sheri Dew, Jane Clayson Johnson, Amanda Dickson, and DeAnne Flynn, as well as the KSL team.
And plus — plus! – guess who happens to be in SLC right now?? My parents! As in, the people I haven’t seen in a year! They just returned home to Maryland from their 2-year mission in Finland. We’re going to head to Maryland soon to spend time with them, but this will be such a fun teaser. And … I get to see several other friends + family who are in Utah and able to come. Super excited.
Here are a few of my most memorable blog posts, according to you.
1. Bacon My Way. Laura Church said, I can say without a doubt that the post that sticks with me most is the post you did on how you and your mom like your bacon and sharing the perfect method for getting that perfect crispy slice!
2. The Purpose of the Task.Hannah Mize said, That particular post came on a day when I needed to hear those words more than anything else. Thank you for the reminder that everything that we do should have meaning and if it doesn’t, it can wait.
3. It’s the Little Things.Monica in Millersville, Maryland said, When I read this, I felt that you were so proud and that your heart was so full of love for Claire, that no matter what she brought home — “rocks, sticks, picked flowers” — you knew they were for you and a gift from God. It reminds me of how blessed we ARE and SHOULD BE for the little things in life that have so much meaning through the eyes of a child.
4. What You Just Might Need to Hear. Lori in Pismo Beach, California said, I still have that image as my desktop on my laptop! So often I get so wrapped up in life, I forget what it is all about in the crazy business of family and ministry, but this image is a constant reminder to me to slow down, take it in, and remember. And in remembering, to make memories and not forget what this life is for. To not take every day for granted and as much as is possible, enjoy everything life has to offer, even the chaos.
5. Gratitude: A Family Project.Jessica in Australia said, This is such a brilliant idea to show things you are grateful for, and something sweet you can keep on display. I may not have kids, but I still love the idea of recording what I’m grateful for each days, as it makes you appreciate what you have a lot more.
6. Pretzel Hugs. Lorraine said, I have shared that recipe with many thanks to you. LOVE it! Of course I love your scrapbooking ideas as well but this treat is a keeper!
And HERE is a pretty solid list of my “best of” posts from 2010.
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{ BIG announcement }
I posted a NEW recipe (click here), curtesy of e-Mealz! Okay, okay. So that’s not really big. Yummy, but not big.
This is BIG: We made a decision that I think will make many of you very happy. Read all about it in the Project Life UPDATE here. This is big stuff. : )
It’s another giveaway-kind-of-day. Congratulations to Marianne in Casper, Wyoming! Marianne, you have won $50 worth of Amy Cornwell jewelry! Just shoot her an email (amy@amycornwell.com) and she’ll hook you up.
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Laura Vanderbeek is getting ready to launch her very popular Photo First Aid class again. This is the 3rd time she’s running this class and now it’s updated for Elements 9.0.
Laura has 1 seat to giveaway to one of my readers. Want it? You know the drill. Leave your first name & your whereabouts. Winner announced Friday, along with the winner from yesterday’s giveaway.
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PS – You can save $10 discount during the first week of registration going on this week (May 9-15). If you want to learn more, Laura is also doing 2 live chats (today May 11 + May 30 @ 10pm Eastern time) to preview the class.
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Oh, AND … Laura is giving away my Bundle of Basics during her chat tonight! Go HERE. Just by watching the Live Chat, you can qualify to win! She’ll be giving it away during the chat so you must be present to win.
Speaking of my home office (did you see my real-life photos in yesterday’s post?) … Creating Keepsakes has a brand-new special issue hitting newsstands now. It’s called Creative Spaces 2011. You can even virtually flip through a few pages in the sneak peek here.
They have featured my home office in this issue and there are a LOT of other really inspiring spaces to see in this issue. Want a chance to win a copy of this for free? Leave your name and mention where you live. This giveaway is open to everyone — even international readers. Oh, and here’s a coupon code that you can use to get free shipping within the U.S., if you’re planning to make the purchase: SPACESBB. This expires May 27. The winner will be announced on Friday.
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Oh, and guess what? Laura Vanderbeek is doing a giveaway for my Bundle of Basics on her blog right now. Check that out HERE! And because we just love doing giveaways for our readers, I will be doing another one tomorrow. Right here. Stay tuned for a chance to win a seat in Laura’s newest online class!
That’s how much time I spent snapping 20 pictures around my home-based office. This is a look at real life in this space, right now. This place is sometimes very tidy and clean. And sometimes, it’s just not. We get behind on stuff. Things pile up. Messes are made. Projects are in the making.
Now is one of those times. And since most of the pictures you’ve seen of my office space are all pretty and orderly, I wanted to share these real-life glimpses. Oh, and by “my” home office space you know I mean … my family’s office space. We’re all in here.
Sometimes you’ll find David and me on the side-by-side computers, each doing our thing … the business, the bills, the emails, the vacation research, the whatever. Sometimes you’ll find Crew laying across the floor, playing on the iPad, always with his favorite blanket somehow attached. Sometimes you’ll find Porter and Claire working on some art project together.
Sometimes I’m in this space all alone. Love having my family around. Also love peace & quiet once in a while. Zoning into my work. Creating. Learning. Blogging. Doing my thing.
So here we go.
This is right by my computer. I keep this reminder of 3 of my greatest blessings within view at all times.
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A project-in-process. I just need one more frame and then I have a trio to hang. Until then, this stuff is clutter on my countertop.
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I found this giant wooden LIFE sculpture at Down to Earth, a boutique at Gardner Village in West Jordan, Utah. Totally worth hand-carrying this on the flight back to Arizona. Still unsure of where exactly it will land in the office. I just knew I had to have it. (Think: Project Life. Yes, I also found smaller letters to spell PROJECT.)
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Kelly Green is in the Top 5 colors that just speak to me right now. So when I spotted this bag at Cherry Lane Boutique in Provo, Utah a couple weeks again … well, I guess I just couldn’t resist.
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Claire gave a little talk in church yesterday. We used some beautiful artwork to accompany what she spoke about and I still need to get these prints put back in their spot.
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The remnants of salsa. Eating at the computer is not a good habit — I know.
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Papers, papers, papers near the computer. To-do lists, blog calendar, shopping list, school papers, work stuff, and other stuff that I just really need to go through SOON. I bet half of this stash can be recycled right now.
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This old alphabet puzzle has been in our family for YEARS (notice the splitting wood and worn letters) and it’s definitely Crew’s favorite go-to toy right now. That, and Porter’s green shoes (you can see one nearby). So random that Crew loves those shoes, but it’s so completely darling when he puts them on and walks around in his big brother’s shoes.
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Like I said — the family is always close by. Here Porter is positioned in his chair just right as he organizes Pokemon cards. He’s sporting some Sunday pants that I hemmed. My first attempt at hemming (6 months ago), thanks to my friend Heidi telling me the steps. I was pretty excited that I actually did it. Now I can’t remember how to hem pants. Of course I can’t.
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Claire is coloring and just barely finished some artwork that we are putting in the mail today for a friend who moved away last year.
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I am at least 5 months behind on sorting the kids’ latest artwork and school papers. At least I’ve been stacking them in one place. When the school year is over, I have a game plan. It involves going through all of this with the kids — recycling, scanning, labeling, and organizing. Can’t wait for our new products coming later this Summer, which will really help with the end result of preserving this stuff.
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Pictures in frames around the office. And of course some are spray-painted (in this case, the pink one).
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These bobby pins belong to Becki. She accidentally left them here when she came over to cut my hair. Or maybe I secretly hid them so I could keep them. Actually, I am a total slacker for not putting these in the mail to her (we live well over an hour away from each other; not a quick errand).
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Another excellent find at Gardner Village. Spotted this in a little boutique called Sassy Babies. Why am I so darn attracted to polka dots? I can’t escape them. Also worth hand-carrying on the flight home.
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Wrapping up the LAST pages of the Personal Yearbook project for both Porter’s 2nd grade class and Claire’s preschool class. I’ll admit — I was in over my head this year. It was too much for this mama to keep up with, particularly with a napping toddler at home and scheduling it all in. But I did keep up — barely. And I’m so glad. Aaand … I really need to re-think my approach for next year. The project is awesome. And simple. But keeping up with 2 large classes (with everything else I have going on)? A bit much, honestly. Lesson learned.
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Got these Easter Pez surprises for the kids and completely forgot to give them to them. Parents of the Year.
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These are not current, but they are still two of my favorite works of art from Porter (left) and Claire (right) from a few years ago. I truly love my kids’ artwork. Makes me so happy.
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I keep Porter’s cub scout items in the office since it’s right by our door to the garage and we’re always rushed when we leave for Scouts.
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Found these Brushing Beauties at Home Goods. Picked up a few for a few of my friends with whom I’ll be seeing later today for a church-related meeting. So cute and domestic.
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The mail pile, which desperately needs our attention – stat!
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Two minutes. Twenty pictures. Two-hundred stories that could be told just from these glimpses and what they say about our family, our lifestyle, our current phase of life.
What about you? Will you consider picking up the camera and shooting around one room in your home for just two minutes? This is documenting real life as it’s happening – is it not?
Happy Mother’s Day — to you mothers, yes. But also to you women who are not necessarily biological mothers. You are women of influence. Whether or not you realize it, your role as a woman is critical.
Every. Single. One of you.
When you make the effort to cultivate a good life — through your work, your example, your service, your nurturing — you make this world a better place. I hope each one of you feels loved. I hope you are able to recognize the good you are doing. I hope you recognize that every hug you give, every kind word, every ounce of sacrifice … it all counts. You are a blessing.
I am so completely grateful to be a mother. And I feel indebted to my own mother, my mother-in-law, my grandmothers, and other remarkable women who came before me. I also feel so blessed to have been so positively influenced by the examples of so many other women in my life as well — some of you dear friends who are reading this.
Sending you a big cyber hug today — super awesome women everywhere.
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{ GIVEAWAY }
Why not, right? Another giveaway this week feels totally appropriate for Mother’s Day! Enter for yourself or feel free to nominate a woman in your life — mom, friend, teacher, co-worker, daughter …
Amy Cornwell wants to give $50 worth of store credit to one of my readers. Check out her jewelry and leave a comment here (don’t forget to leave your name + where you live). As always, be sure to check back here on the blog soon in case your name is the one we randomly select & announce!
We have some very special friends - the Fuchs ("fewks") family - that are adjusting to a "new normal" with their special-needs daughter who had a terrible accident and is now confined to a wheelchair. You can read all about it HERE
For the benefit of Claire's family - and also for the benefit of many generous sponsors - I opened my blog for advertising for one month only! This is temporary + the ads will run February 1 - 29, 2012. 100% of the ad fees have gone directly to Claire's family.
Because of the nature of this fundraiser and the need to keep the entire process very, very simple - we are not taking any more sponsors at this time. Anyone who wants to reach out to the Fuchs family with a note of encouragement, or a letter in the mail, or even a cash donation, can find that information HERE
